Preview — Always & Forever
by Chantel Rhondeau

Always & Forever

A suspected murderess flees her former life in search of tranquility, but the past refuses to die, threatening to destroy her new found happiness.

Lilly Price is an abused woman on the run, but she can’t hide forever. Desperate to escape public scrutiny following accusations that she hired a hit man to kill her fiancé, Lilly hopes to rebuild her life in a new town.

Widowed ZA suspected murderess flees her former life in search of tranquility, but the past refuses to die, threatening to destroy her new found happiness.

Lilly Price is an abused woman on the run, but she can’t hide forever. Desperate to escape public scrutiny following accusations that she hired a hit man to kill her fiancé, Lilly hopes to rebuild her life in a new town.

Widowed Zach Woodbridge is in no hurry to find another bride. He longs for a peaceful summer, writing at his lakeside cottage. Things change after an introduction to his grandmother’s intriguing new assistant, Lilly.

When Lilly’s secrets are revealed, can their fragile relationship weather the storm? And when a man from her past wishes to reclaim Lilly, using any force necessary, can she and Zach protect the people they love?

"Always & Forever" seems to promise suspenseful romance between an abused, disabled woman on the run with a criminal past and a disenchanted wealthy widower. The story started with elements of some great romantic suspenseful stories starts with and then...the characters were not as promising as the story progressed.

Then the story became disjointed, the dialogue weird. It's billed as a contemporary but the characters sometimes sounded right off the page of a so-so regeA Hearts On Fire Review

"Always & Forever" seems to promise suspenseful romance between an abused, disabled woman on the run with a criminal past and a disenchanted wealthy widower. The story started with elements of some great romantic suspenseful stories starts with and then...the characters were not as promising as the story progressed.

Then the story became disjointed, the dialogue weird. It's billed as a contemporary but the characters sometimes sounded right off the page of a so-so regency.

But leaving the stilted speak out of the equation, the weak characters were another issue for me.

The heroine has a damaged leg from an earlier attack which the hero was not understanding of. The hero was insecure and selfish, the heroine vapid and TSTL (too stupid to live). Both of them were so weak, the hero always acting like a jerk and the heroine was readily willing to forgive in the name of "love".

Please. *eye roll*

There's an easy guessable plot line involved and I'm going to spoil the ending but potential readers need this warning. Because if I'm rooting for the villain's beating of the heroine, you know there is a problem. But don't worry, while the heroine is being beaten, the hero's crying outside of the locked door - he's worried you see. And you know who saves the heroine?

The heroine.

And you know what's the heroine's first thought after being beaten and defeating the bad guy? She's grateful the hero is alright.

Seriously?

I. Just. Can't.

Maybe there are other readers who can forgive this but I can't. I'm all for equal rights and happy endings but this is disappointing.

There was nothing endearing of either character and both deserved each other. Good riddance....more

My first question is, why isn't this book more popular? It was fantastic! This book has it all...suspense, mystery and romance. I loved the heroine, Lily, she was so easy to love and I was her biggest cheerleader. She is dealing with a horrible past and trying to start a new life when she meets Zach. Zach is totally swoon worthy! (New fictional boyfriend to add to my list) There were times when I wanted to scream at Lily, but I did enjoy watching her grow more confident. My other favorite characMy first question is, why isn't this book more popular? It was fantastic! This book has it all...suspense, mystery and romance. I loved the heroine, Lily, she was so easy to love and I was her biggest cheerleader. She is dealing with a horrible past and trying to start a new life when she meets Zach. Zach is totally swoon worthy! (New fictional boyfriend to add to my list) There were times when I wanted to scream at Lily, but I did enjoy watching her grow more confident. My other favorite character was Sarah, Zach's sister. She is the kind of sister anyone would want to have. I loved her! I am suffering from a major book hangover right now! I highly recommend this book. It is definitely a must read. ~Amanda ...more

Always and Forever was a book I won on Goodreads from new author Chantel Rhondeau. I was pleasantly surpised with how it turned out. Abuse is a topic that is often uncomfortable to talk about and the author does an excellent job of taking the heroine through the aftermath of getting out of an abusive relationship. The hero in the book, Zach was also emotionally wounded and struggled to connect and work through his past relationship failures throughout the book. At times I thought that both charaAlways and Forever was a book I won on Goodreads from new author Chantel Rhondeau. I was pleasantly surpised with how it turned out. Abuse is a topic that is often uncomfortable to talk about and the author does an excellent job of taking the heroine through the aftermath of getting out of an abusive relationship. The hero in the book, Zach was also emotionally wounded and struggled to connect and work through his past relationship failures throughout the book. At times I thought that both characters should be done with the constant mistrust and lack of communication, but when placed in the context of their past relationships, their interactions were very realistic. The ending felt a little bit rushed and the reveal of the villian was a bit expected but overall I loved the book and would definitely read more from Ms. Rhondeau. Ms. Rhondeau, I commend you for taking on such a difficult and ugly reality faced by both women and men! ...more

Rhondeau has an exquisite talent for creating compelling characters that readers can genuinely care about. Add that to the impeccable pacing, and what you get is a book that will pull you in from the first page and hold you until the end. This story has just enough romance to inspire readers to create a bond with Lily and Zach, and just enough suspense to compel readers to keep turning the pages. I meant to read a chapter or two and save the rest for later, but once I started reading,... . AlwayRhondeau has an exquisite talent for creating compelling characters that readers can genuinely care about. Add that to the impeccable pacing, and what you get is a book that will pull you in from the first page and hold you until the end. This story has just enough romance to inspire readers to create a bond with Lily and Zach, and just enough suspense to compel readers to keep turning the pages. I meant to read a chapter or two and save the rest for later, but once I started reading,... . Always and Forever is the perfect blend of romance and suspense. It is a cover-to-cover read that will leave readers pleasantly fulfilled....more

I was a little on the edge with this book. The ending made me want to give it 4 stars, but the beginning was more like 2, so I'd say that my entertainment leveled at around 3.4 which still leads to a 3 star. Bottom line, I liked it.Now let's get into more details.

Character:Lilly - I rolled my eyes at her so many times, I think I got a permanent cramp. Fortunately, as the book progressed, it got better. I get that she's abused and everything but she was just SO insecure. Which is justifi3.4 Stars

I was a little on the edge with this book. The ending made me want to give it 4 stars, but the beginning was more like 2, so I'd say that my entertainment leveled at around 3.4 which still leads to a 3 star. Bottom line, I liked it.Now let's get into more details.

Character:Lilly - I rolled my eyes at her so many times, I think I got a permanent cramp. Fortunately, as the book progressed, it got better. I get that she's abused and everything but she was just SO insecure. Which is justified given her path, but I don't tolerate this kind of characters well - so this is me. If you like reading about this type of characters, be my guest.Zach - was insecure too - that's probably why this annoyed me - because none of the two was stronger. If I had to pick, I think Lilly is stronger, but Zach is more trusting and has more self confidence.Other characters - we're fine. They were well enough sketched out for me to get an idea.

Plot:Was pretty good. The mystery wasn't all that great, since I think I figured out who did it about 25% in, but the history and motivation was interesting and kept me reading. So I can't complain about it. Didn't seem far fetched or anything.

Writing: As language and description, it was good. The dialogue was very rarely stilted, if ever (can't remember right now), there were some funny lines, and everything generally flowed well. What i didn't like was the repetitiveness of the ideas. I usually get it the first time around.

What I really liked:- the premise of a heroine with a disability. That excused the fact that she was actually hot. And I could only picture doctor House limping around, and that's always awesome. Kudos for originality here.

What I liked:- the plot was well done IMO. It was easy to tell who the culprit was (well, at least for me), but the history and motivation made up for it.- I think the storyline was sweet, with both Lilly and Zach learning to trust.- I liked Sarah. Don't know why, since there could have been more of her throughout the book, but I liked her.- It was kinda fun to have a rich people setting. Kinda like Gossip Girl but better.- The story got better and better as it went along. So, while I was rolling my eyes at the beginning, the end left me with a warm, feeling.

What I didn't like (there has to be some of that too):- the feelings that I was getting beaten over the head with the happenings of the book. I got it the first time, I don't need another para to say the exact same things only with different words.- I have a thing for insecure characters. I'm there with them for a while until I feel like yelling at them to pull themselves together and stop being so pathetic. I'm like this in real life too. You're free to guess my friend-count.

I enjoyed this contemporary romance novel, and would recommend it to others who enjoy the genre. I would also read more by the author if given the chance....more

My Review:I love the resurgence in the romantic suspense genre so it was fun to get to read and review another new author to the genre, Chantel Rhondeau. Her first book, ALWAYS & FOREVER, features two characters that have been burned by love.

Zach married someone whom he thought he loved, but he had no idea who his first wife really was. She lied to him continually throughout their five year marriage to the point that he didn't mourn her when she died. By that point, their's was a marriage inMy Review:I love the resurgence in the romantic suspense genre so it was fun to get to read and review another new author to the genre, Chantel Rhondeau. Her first book, ALWAYS & FOREVER, features two characters that have been burned by love.

Zach married someone whom he thought he loved, but he had no idea who his first wife really was. She lied to him continually throughout their five year marriage to the point that he didn't mourn her when she died. By that point, their's was a marriage in name only. He doesn't trust his judgement anymore and he sure doesn't trust anyone who lies.

Lilly's marriage was even worse. She married someone who was incredibly abusive both physically and mentally, until he was brutally murdered. She was also seriously injured in that attack, but was still thought to be guilty of hiring the hit man to kill her husband. The unfairness of everything that happened in that circumstance was just heartbreaking. This poor girl just could not catch a break.

So she decided to start her life over again by changing her location and her first name...and simply not disclosing absolutely everything about her past if she can avoid it. Getting hired by Zach's grandmother was the first lucky thing to happen to her. I loved his grandmother's character in the book....she's a tough old broad and she sees people as they really are. She doesn't care about Lilly's past....she knows that Lilly's a person that she likes now and she fully expects Lilly and Zach to get married...although they aren't even involved. Oh, and yeah, Zach doesn't know anything about Lilly's true history.

This is a pretty involved book. It covers several months as Lilly and Zach move from acquaintances to friends to lovers and more. You also get to watch as the suspense line ramps up. The person behind Lilly's husband's murder was never caught and now Lilly is getting stalked. To add to the suspense, she's not so sure that her stalker isn't her abusive husband, since they never found the body. There were moments throughout the book that were simply riveting. I had an idea about where the suspense line was going, but there was enough doubt to keep me guessing and reading.

My only complaint was that I didn't quite connect with these characters. There were times when their reactions seemed, to me, to be completely over the top, but overall I enjoyed the book and trying to figure out what exactly who was behind the suspense story line.

I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review....more

If you like romance and suspense, you will get a whole lot of both in this novel by Chantel Rhondeau!

Lilly Price has had a hard life. Not only did she live through an abusive relationship, but her past fiancé had been killed and Lilly was the prime suspect. In order to try to live a normal life, Lilly moves across the country to the small community of Serenity.

There she meets Zach Woodbridge, the attractive, rich and friendly grandson of Margaret, the woman Lilly works for. Lilly and Zach’s relIf you like romance and suspense, you will get a whole lot of both in this novel by Chantel Rhondeau!

Lilly Price has had a hard life. Not only did she live through an abusive relationship, but her past fiancé had been killed and Lilly was the prime suspect. In order to try to live a normal life, Lilly moves across the country to the small community of Serenity.

There she meets Zach Woodbridge, the attractive, rich and friendly grandson of Margaret, the woman Lilly works for. Lilly and Zach’s relationship builds beyond friendship to lovers, and ironically they have a shared past –the murder or death of a fiancé or wife.

As a romantic at heart, their relationship, more than the suspense, is the part that engaged me. Through all the obstacles, and there are many, they overcome the burdens in order to follow their hearts. And I have to tell you, these characters have some major burdens!

What I love about the romance in this novel is that it feels real. The feelings they have for each other are those that could happen, including insecurities that all people have (you know it’s true!). Like any real relationship, Lilly and Zach face issues that they have to struggle through.

Rhondeau does a nice job combining the romance with the suspense. When Lilly deals with threats, who does she turn to? Yep! Zach! When Lilly has a secret and frightening admirer, who does she find solitude with? Yep! Zach!

And Zach isn’t too much of an overbearing alpha male, either, which makes him likeable. He can be alpha at times, but in other moments, he only wants to please Lilly, because he loves her. Other romantic moments that I loved were a trip to a rose garden and Zach trying his best to cook an intimate dinner for them both.

If you love mysteries, you will have fun trying to figure out the unknowns that trail throughout this novel. What’s even better is it’s almost impossible to guess the outcome. There’s enough twists and turns to keep you reading late at night just to see what happens next.

All in all, I give this read FOUR STARS! A great read with fun secondary characters, realistic main characters and a sensational steamy romance. ...more

With compelling characters that are bound to worm their way into your heart, Chantal Rhondeau has created a story that will have you outraged and thrilled, anxious and satisfied, with just enough frustration at the situations to keep you turning pages until the end. With an abused woman who needs to learn to trust, a man who has his own issues to deal with, and a slew of miscommunications and insecurities that alternate between incredibly frustrating and wholly understandable, readers will findWith compelling characters that are bound to worm their way into your heart, Chantal Rhondeau has created a story that will have you outraged and thrilled, anxious and satisfied, with just enough frustration at the situations to keep you turning pages until the end. With an abused woman who needs to learn to trust, a man who has his own issues to deal with, and a slew of miscommunications and insecurities that alternate between incredibly frustrating and wholly understandable, readers will find the relationship has been detailed with a near-tactile realness.

With a mystery to solve that is full of twists and turns, a heroine that is easy to root for and some incredibly steamy sex scenes, this book provides a good afternoon’s reading and time will just fly by. Aside from some minor pacing irregularities, and a ‘bad guy’ who is more one-dimensional than I prefer, this book begged to have just another page read. Conversations are beautifully detailed; the characters spoke as if overheard, without artifice or embellishment. A few repetitions of key points were a niggling frustration, but since neither character had really ‘dealt’ with the issues of the past and the new problems were triggering old responses, it was both understandable and realistic.

As a first book from this author, it shows great promise and I look forward to more from her.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of my Indie Authors Rock on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility. ...more

Lily is a heroine you'll love to cheer for. An abused woman, she runs from an unjust accusation to start a new life as a companion to a wealthy matriarch, one who just happens to have an unhappy hunk of a grandson.

Their love story begins with deception and through many trials, excitement and danger, ends with trust. Zach is a hero any woman would want to take home. Several times when I was reading the book, I screamed at Lily. "If you don't want him, send him to me!" He was considerate and carinLily is a heroine you'll love to cheer for. An abused woman, she runs from an unjust accusation to start a new life as a companion to a wealthy matriarch, one who just happens to have an unhappy hunk of a grandson.

Their love story begins with deception and through many trials, excitement and danger, ends with trust. Zach is a hero any woman would want to take home. Several times when I was reading the book, I screamed at Lily. "If you don't want him, send him to me!" He was considerate and caring, always thinking of what would be good for Lilly. He was also quick to forgive her and understood her issues, dealing with low self-esteem and guilt.

The warning is spot on. If you enjoy a bit of steam, this book's for you. Zach and Lilly know how to enjoy each other thoroughly despite the danger at their door. 5 stars and a bang-up debut for a new author!...more

I really enjoyed this book. It's not often I fall for a heroine with a game leg, but there was something about Lilly. She grew on me as she got more confident through the book. Escaping a gruesome past left her a little unsure of herself, but it was refreshing to watch her blossom as the book progressed.

Zach was an unlikely playboy. He was often unsure of himself, but this offered a refreshing hero who wasn't 100% bust their heads open, spitting blood alpha male. He had gentler qualities which iI really enjoyed this book. It's not often I fall for a heroine with a game leg, but there was something about Lilly. She grew on me as she got more confident through the book. Escaping a gruesome past left her a little unsure of herself, but it was refreshing to watch her blossom as the book progressed.

Zach was an unlikely playboy. He was often unsure of himself, but this offered a refreshing hero who wasn't 100% bust their heads open, spitting blood alpha male. He had gentler qualities which in the long run made him more realistic and likeable.

There were times I want to smahed Lilly and Zach's heads together and tell them to get on with it, but...well, you'll have to read it to find out. I found plenty of suspense and felt the author did a great job of keeping me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended....more

A&F is suspense and romance at its best, but the author looks deep beneath the surface action. She ultimately tells the tale of the emotional journeys of two people. The reader feels like he has a personal stake in the outcome as Zach and Lilly navigate the maze created by his insecurities, her fears, and evil directed toward them. Zach was betrayed by love. Lilly suffered abuse at the hands of people who should have protected her. Their mutual inability to trust others or themselves createA&F is suspense and romance at its best, but the author looks deep beneath the surface action. She ultimately tells the tale of the emotional journeys of two people. The reader feels like he has a personal stake in the outcome as Zach and Lilly navigate the maze created by his insecurities, her fears, and evil directed toward them. Zach was betrayed by love. Lilly suffered abuse at the hands of people who should have protected her. Their mutual inability to trust others or themselves create walls, causing them to turn many a wrong corner. They begin as victims and conclude with the realization that the actions of others cannot define who they are or the future they choose. Chantel Rhondeau is a brilliant storyteller whose writing spans many genres....more

I met this author when we became critique partners and I began reading the early chapters of this book. I should preface by saying that romance is not a genre I usually read. Despite this, I was very quickly drawn into this book. Always & Forever has strong writing, exciting plot twists, and a steamy romance between the protagonists, Lily and Zach. I like that the novel switched between the two characters’ points of view and I enjoyed the chance to learn them more seeing events through theirI met this author when we became critique partners and I began reading the early chapters of this book. I should preface by saying that romance is not a genre I usually read. Despite this, I was very quickly drawn into this book. Always & Forever has strong writing, exciting plot twists, and a steamy romance between the protagonists, Lily and Zach. I like that the novel switched between the two characters’ points of view and I enjoyed the chance to learn them more seeing events through their eyes. All in all, an enjoyable read… even for those who don’t usually read romantic suspense. Look forward to reading more by this author....more

A hot romance between two unsuspecting adults set up secretively. The main character, Lilly, has a complicated past that follows her to her new life. The prospective love, Zach, finds himself battling for a forever love with Lilly. If he loses, it could take his life. If he wins, it could give him the happily ever after that he deserves.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves a hot romance that makes you fall in love with the main characters and hate all those who stand in the way of their hA hot romance between two unsuspecting adults set up secretively. The main character, Lilly, has a complicated past that follows her to her new life. The prospective love, Zach, finds himself battling for a forever love with Lilly. If he loses, it could take his life. If he wins, it could give him the happily ever after that he deserves.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves a hot romance that makes you fall in love with the main characters and hate all those who stand in the way of their happiness....more

I liked this book. I never guessed who the bad guy was. I suspected, but the author wrote it so I was on the fence about his character. My favorite theme is the abused/fragile heroine. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good romantic suspense novel.

Lilly changed her name to her middle name and moved across the country yo start anew after being accused of murdering her fiancé. She goes to work for a older rich lady as her assistant. She understood the rich growing up that way. Zach is Mrs. Woodworth grandson and she believes they belong together. She knows about Lilly's past, but Lilly doesn't know she foes. It gets worse when Lilly get a stalker. There are s lot of twist a and turns but a lovely story.

I absolutely loved this book. You can really feel the passion in the book. All the dangers Lilly went through just so she can be with her true love is absolutely amazing and beautiful at the same time. Very well written. I can't believe that this is Chantel's first book just by reading it you couldn't tell; it seems like she has been writing forever. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

Lilly Price has just moved to Serenity, Oregon, trying to escape her past on the East Coast. She has just gotten out of prison and is looking for a fresh start but it's hard when you don't want to provide any links to your past. Lilly is hired to be a personal assistant to Margaret Woodbridge, a wealthy widow.

Zach Woodbridge is Margaret's grandson with his own secrets in his past. Living in the memory of his "perfect" deceased wife he is not interested in a relationship, but that's not what hisLilly Price has just moved to Serenity, Oregon, trying to escape her past on the East Coast. She has just gotten out of prison and is looking for a fresh start but it's hard when you don't want to provide any links to your past. Lilly is hired to be a personal assistant to Margaret Woodbridge, a wealthy widow.

Zach Woodbridge is Margaret's grandson with his own secrets in his past. Living in the memory of his "perfect" deceased wife he is not interested in a relationship, but that's not what his Grandma has in mind.

As Lilly and Zach deal with developing feelings they each must confront their pasts and figure out if love is worth fighting for. When the past comes back to cause havoc in the future their trust and love is on the line. Will they be able to believe in the truth and what will Lilly risk to keep those she loves safe?

I really enjoyed this book and I was convinced I had it solved when I didn't! I loved how everything tied together but it was so creepy to know someone was watching Lilly so closely.

I really loved Lilly and knew right from the beginning that she couldn't have done what they thought she did as she was just to sweet and timid. She has lived through so much and hopefully now has found her ever after. She was willing to do whatever was necessary to protect people, no matter what the risk was to herself. She had to put up with so much prejudice from Zach's mom and from Bridget and her mom and it was extremely disheartening.

I liked Zach but was definitely mad at him a few times for jumping to conclusions. I know he had been burned in the past by Victoria but he lost faith in Lilly so quickly due to a rumor.

This was such a good book and I'm so happy the ending totally surprised me! ...more

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Contemporary romance with a physically maimed heroine who was raised soft and rich, but Lily Price is a tough survivor with a mysterious past and looking for a new start in a small town on the other side of the world. So she has a good job working as an assistant for an old smart lady who is matchmaking with her favorite grandson, Zach. Zach is a widower to a terrible wife, Victoria married him for money and prestige of a wealthy powerful family, but everyone thinks that it was a love match, excContemporary romance with a physically maimed heroine who was raised soft and rich, but Lily Price is a tough survivor with a mysterious past and looking for a new start in a small town on the other side of the world. So she has a good job working as an assistant for an old smart lady who is matchmaking with her favorite grandson, Zach. Zach is a widower to a terrible wife, Victoria married him for money and prestige of a wealthy powerful family, but everyone thinks that it was a love match, except for her lover, Crandall who totally betrayed Zach because he was supposedly his childhood best friend. So we get Crandall sabotaging the developing relationship with Zach and Lily.Lily's past will eventually be uncovered in a weird twist which shows how small the world really is.302 pages and kindle freebie2 stars...more

I love non-alpha guys and Zach fits into that category. But he is charming and loving to a girl who has had a raw deal in life. Her past comes back to haunt her and Zach is there as her knight in shining armor -- chinks and all. A great love story.

Started good but seemed to drag a bit. To be honest, I got sick of the h being abused and how she would keep silent even if that was an understandable reaction. I liked the H until he started to cry as much as she did.

This romantic suspense novel is a story of abuse, crazy obsession and greed, lies, and, as consequences, mistrust and cover ups. Two main characters will have to overcome a lot, survive some horrible moments, and learn to trust each other to find their happiness.